Minimally Invasive Surgical Stabilization Devices and Methods

ABSTRACT

The various embodiments of the present inventions provide stabilization devices and methods for use of the stabilization devices with minimally invasive gynecological procedures such as methods of preventing pregnancy by inserting intrafallopian contraceptive devices into the fallopian tubes.

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/006,247, filed on Jan. 13, 2011, which is a divisional of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/165,733, filed on Jun. 24, 2005, now issued asU.S. Pat. No. 7,918,863, which is incorporated herein by reference inits entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the field of minimally invasivesurgical medical devices and medical procedures. More specifically, theinvention relates to devices and methods used for transcervicalgynecological procedures.

2. Discussion of Related Art

Female contraception and/or sterilization may be affected bytranservically introducing an object (e.g. a coil) into a fallopian tubeto inhibit conception. Devices, systems and methods for such acontraceptive approach have been described in various patents and patentapplications assigned to the present assignee. For example, PCT PatentApplication No. 99/15166 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,526,979 and U.S. Pat. No.6,634,361 describe devices that are transcervically inserted into anostium of a fallopian tube and mechanically anchored within thefallopian tube. The devices described in these patents and patentapplications may promote a tissue in-growth around and within theinserted device, which may be referred to as an implant or an insert.One example of such devices is the device known as “Essure” fromConceptus, Inc. of San Carlos, Calif. This tissue in-growth tends toprovide long-term contraception and/or permanent sterilization withoutthe need for surgical procedures.

The device used to insert the contraceptive implant into the fallopiantube may be an intrafallopian contraceptive delivery device such as theone illustrated in FIG. 1 a. FIG. 1 a illustrates a device similar tothe Essure device. The intrafallopian contraceptive delivery device 101of FIG. 1 a is typically formed of a control device, such as a handle102, a delivery catheter system 103, and a guidewire 104 onto which isheld the contraceptive implant to be placed within the fallopian tube.The delivery catheter system 103 contains the guidewire 104, a releasecatheter (not shown) and the contraceptive implant and the guidewire 104within the release catheter. The delivery catheter system 103 istranscervically positioned into the uterus and the fallopian tubes via ahysteroscope, such as 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 b. The delivery cathetersystem 103 and guidewire 104 enter the hysteroscope 100 through theworking channel 110 of the hysteroscope 100. A distention valve 120 istypically positioned at the tip of the working channel 110. Thedistention valve 120 seals the entrance of the working channel 110 toprevent a distention fluid, such as saline, to flow out of thehysteroscope 100 as a device such as the delivery catheter system 103and guidewire 104 of the intrafallopian contraceptive delivery device101 is introduced into the working channel 110. The opening 130 into thedistention valve 120 is designed to prevent the leakage of any fluid outof the hysteroscope 100 and therefore has the smallest opening possibleto allow a very tight fit between the device and the valve opening. Toprevent damaging the tip 105 of the guidewire 104 or the contraceptiveimplant to be inserted into the fallopian tube, the guidewire 104 anddelivery catheter system 103 are introduced into the distention valve120 through an introducer sheath 140. The introducer sheath 140 isformed of a soft flexible material such as plastic or Teflon and has aslit 145 to aid in grasping and in the removal of the introducer sheath140. The introducer sheath 140 must therefore be inserted into theopening 130 of the distention valve 120 while on a stiff mandrel 150 asillustrated in FIG. 1 b. Once the mandrel 150 are placed within thedistention valve 120 and the channel 110 to the desired depth themandrel 150 is removed, leaving the introducer sheath 140 within theworking channel 110 and the distention valve 120 as illustrated in FIG.1 c. After placing the introducer sheath 140 into the distention valve120 the tip 105 of the guidewire 104 and the delivery catheter system103 may be inserted into the introducer sheath 140 and introduced intothe distention valve 120 and the working channel 110 as illustrated inFIG. 1 d. The introducer sheath 140 may then be removed. The distentionvalve 120 may have a tight opening that places pressure on the deliverycatheter and causes friction. This friction may make the positioning ofthe insert within the fallopian tubes difficult. Friction may be createdeven if the introducer sheath 140 is left within the opening 130 of thedistention valve 120. The distention valve 120 prevents fluid leakagefrom the working channel 110. If an introducer sheath 140 is insertedthrough the distention valve 120, fluid can spray out of the valve andonto the physician or physician's assistant. The amount of fluidspray-back can be significant depending on the fluid pressure usedduring the procedure.

Once a physician has positioned the delivery catheter system 103 and theguidewire 104 at a position within the fallopian tube where thecontraceptive implant may be deposited, it may be awkward and difficultfor the physician to maintain the position and may require the physicianto use an assistant to aid in the proper stabilization of the systemrelative to the hysteroscope.

SUMMARY OF THE DESCRIPTION

Various different embodiments are disclosed below and the followingsummary provides a brief description of only some of these embodiments.According to one aspect of the invention, certain embodiments describedbelow relate to a medical device to stabilize a device for a minimallyinvasive gynecological procedure with respect to a device that providesa transcervical pathway. The device for the minimally invasivegynecological procedure may be an intrafallopian contraceptive deliverydevice. The device that provides a transcervical pathway may be ahysteroscope or a catheter. In an embodiment, the stabilization devicemay maintain a fixed longitudinal distance between an intrafallopiancontraceptive device and a hysteroscope. The stabilization device mayinclude a port for the insertion of a catheter to deliver a topicalanesthetic or a contrast media to a patient during a minimally invasivegynecological procedure. Further embodiments describe methods ofstabilizing the device for the minimally invasive gynecologicalprocedure with respect to the device that provides a transcervicalpathway using a stabilization device.

Various other devices and methods for using devices, including kits foruse in treating patients, are also described below. Other features ofthe present invention will be apparent from the accompanying drawingsand from the detailed description that follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 a is an illustration of an intrafallopian contraceptive deliverydevice.

FIG. 1 b is an illustration of a hysteroscope and an introducer sheathon a mandrel designed for insertion into a distention valve of ahysteroscope.

FIG. 1 c is an illustration of the hysteroscope of FIG. 1 b after theintroducer sheath has been inserted into the distention valve of thehysteroscope.

FIG. 1 d is an illustration of a delivery catheter of an intrafallopiancontraceptive delivery device before its insertion into the introducersheath and hysteroscope.

FIG. 1 e is an illustration of a delivery catheter of an intrafallopiancontraceptive delivery device after its insertion into the hysteroscopeand the removal of the introducer sheath.

FIG. 2 a is an illustration of a side view of a stabilization deviceformed of a sleeve and a mechanical means for coupling the proximal endof the stabilization device to a control device of a device for agynecological procedure.

FIG. 2 b is an illustration of a cross-sectional view of the sleeve ofthe stabilization device of FIG. 2 a.

FIG. 2 c is an illustration of a cross-sectional view of a transversemembrane within the stabilization device of FIG. 2 a having across-hatched opening.

FIG. 2 d is an illustration of a cross-sectional view of a transversemembrane within the stabilization device of FIG. 2 a having a slitopening.

FIG. 2 e is an illustration of a cross-sectional view of a transversemembrane within the stabilization device of FIG. 2 a having a holeopening.

FIG. 2 f is an illustration of a side view of a stabilization deviceformed of a sleeve and an adjustable O-ring for coupling the proximalend of the stabilization device to a device for a gynecologicalprocedure.

FIG. 2 g is an end-on view of the proximal end of the adjustable O-ringin an open position.

FIG. 2 h is a side view of the stabilization device of 2 f afterscrewing down the adjustable O-ring to partially close the O-ring.

FIG. 2 i is an end-on view of the proximal end of the partially closedadjustable O-ring of FIG. 2 h.

FIG. 2 j is a side view of the stabilization device of FIG. 2 h afterfurther screwing down the adjustable O-ring to close the O-ring.

FIG. 2 k is an end-on view of the distal end of the closed adjustableO-ring of FIG. 2 j.

FIG. 2 l is an illustration of a side view of a stabilization deviceformed of a sleeve, an adjustable O-ring, and a duckbill valve.

FIG. 2 m is an illustration of a side view of a stabilization deviceformed of a sleeve, an O-ring, and a duckbill valve.

FIG. 2 n is an illustration of a top view of the duckbill valve of FIG.2 m.

FIG. 2 o is an illustration of a detailed view of the duckbill valve ofFIGS. 2 l-2 n through which a catheter has been inserted.

FIG. 3 a is an illustration of a side view of a stabilization deviceformed of a sleeve and of a textured friction fitting.

FIG. 3 b is an illustration of a side view of a stabilization deviceformed of a sleeve and of a tapered friction fitting.

FIG. 3 c is an illustration of a side view of a stabilization deviceformed of a sleeve and of a screw fitting.

FIG. 4 a is an illustration of a side view of a stabilization devicehaving a first marker and a second marker on the outside of the sleeve.

FIG. 4 b is an illustration of a side view of a stabilization deviceformed of a sleeve having a flexible portion and an inflexible portion.

FIG. 4 c is an illustration of a side view of a stabilization deviceformed of a flexible sleeve.

FIG. 4 d is an illustration of a side view of a stabilization deviceformed of a sleeve curved on the proximal end.

FIG. 4 e is an illustration of a side view of a stabilization deviceformed of a sleeve curved on the distal end.

FIG. 5 a is an illustration of a side view of a stabilization devicehaving an embodiment of a distention valve for a hysteroscope attachedto the sleeve.

FIG. 5 b is an illustration of a cross-sectional view of the distentionvalve of FIG. 5 a.

FIG. 5 c is an illustration of a cross-sectional view of a stabilizationdevice having another embodiment of a distention valve for ahysteroscope attached to the sleeve.

FIG. 5 d illustrates a kit containing a stabilization device and anintrafallopian contraceptive delivery device.

FIG. 6 a illustrates a hysteroscope and a stabilization devicepositioned for insertion into the distention valve of the hysteroscope.

FIG. 6 b illustrates a stabilization device inserted into a distentionvalve and a channel of the hysteroscope.

FIG. 6 c illustrates a cut-away side view of the stabilization devicewithin the distention valve and channel of the hysteroscope.

FIG. 6 d illustrates a stabilization device having a distention valvepositioned for insertion into the working channel of a hysteroscope.

FIG. 6 e illustrates a stabilization device having a distention valveand a length sufficient to reach beyond the end of the hysteroscope.

FIG. 6 f illustrates a stabilization device inserted into a hysteroscopeand a delivery catheter of an intrafallopian contraceptive deliverydevice inserted into the stabilization device and the hysteroscope.

FIG. 6 g illustrates a stabilization device coupled to both ahysteroscope and a control device of an intrafallopian contraceptivedelivery device.

FIG. 6 h illustrates a stabilization device coupled to the deliverycatheter of an intrafallopian delivery device by an adjustable O-ring.

FIG. 6 i illustrates a stabilization device having a mechanical fittingdesigned to couple to an adaptor on the end of the control device of anintrafallopian contraceptive delivery device.

FIG. 6 j illustrates the stabilization device of FIG. 6 h coupled to theadaptor on the end of the control device of the intrafallopiancontraceptive delivery device.

FIG. 6 k illustrates a cut-away side view of a handle of anintrafallopian contraceptive delivery device before tracking forward thedelivery catheter.

FIG. 61 illustrates a cut-away side view of a handle of anintrafallopian contraceptive delivery device after tracking forward thedelivery catheter.

FIG. 7 a illustrates a cut-away side view of an access catheter.

FIG. 7 b illustrates a side view of the outside surface of an accesscatheter.

FIG. 7 c illustrates a side view of an access catheter that has beenpositioned within the cervix.

FIG. 7 d illustrates a side view of the access catheter once the balloonon its distal end has been expanded to fix the position of the accesscatheter within the cervix.

FIG. 8 a illustrates a kit containing a stabilization device having aport for an anesthetic delivery catheter, an anesthetic deliverycatheter that has static mixer capabilities, and a dual-barrel syringe.

FIG. 8 b illustrates a stabilization device having a port for ananesthetic delivery catheter coupled to a syringe containing ananesthetic and anesthetic carrier.

FIG. 9 illustrates a stabilization device permanently coupled to ahysteroscope.

FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment of a stabilization device shaped likean arm.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The subject invention will be described with reference to numerousdetails set forth below, and the accompanying drawing swill illustratethe invention. The following description and drawings are illustrativeof the invention and are not to be construed as limiting the invention.Numerous specific details are described to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the present invention. However, in certain instances,well-known or conventional details are not described in order to notunnecessarily obscure the present invention in detail.

The various embodiments of the present inventions provide stabilizationdevices and methods for use of the stabilization devices with minimallyinvasive gynecological procedures such as methods of preventingpregnancy by inserting intrafallopian contraceptive devices into thefallopian tubes, the removal of uterine polyps, endometrial ablation,cryotherapy of the uterus, myomectomy, radiologic fibroid embolization,uterine and vaginal relaxation, female urological disorders, dilationand curettage, endometrial biopsy, colposcopy, hysterosalpinograpy,excision of submucous myoma, polypectomy or intrauterine adhesions,laparoscopy, mini-laparoscopy, surgery for urinary incontinence,reconstructive pelvic procedure, treatment for infertility such asrenastamosis, selective salpingectomy, salpingostomy, fibrioplasty, andtubal cannulation. The intrafallopian contraceptive devices may providepermanent contraception or sterilization. Examples of contraceptivedevices and method for using these devices with delivery systems areprovided in U.S. Pat. No. 6,526,979 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,634,361, both ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference. It is to be understood thatembodiments of the current invention may also be used withnon-gynecological minimally invasive surgeries that employ endoscopes.Examples of non-gynecological minimally invasive surgeries includeangioscopy, arthroscopy, bronchoscopy, cystoscopy, solonoscopy,systourethroscopy, esophagogastroduodenoscopy, gastroscopy,largyngoscopy, protosigmoidoscopy, rhinolaryngoscopy, subfacialedoscopic perforating vein surgery, and sigmoidoscopy.

The delivery systems for the intrafallopian contraceptive devices aregenerally formed of a catheter containing the contraceptive device ordevices and a handle that is used to control the placement of thecatheter. The intrafallopian contraceptive devices may be positioned bythe retraction of the catheter to expose the contraceptive device andthe deposition of the contraceptive device within the fallopian tube.The stabilization devices are adapted to be coupled to a control deviceof an intrafallopian contraceptive delivery device, such as the handleof the delivery systems described in the above-referenced patents, andto a device that provides a pathway through the cervix to maintain afixed longitudinal distance between the control device and the devicethat provides a pathway through the cervix. This device may free up oneof the hands of a physician performing the procedure by maintaining thefixed distance between the control device and an endoscope. Examples ofendoscopes include a hysteroscope, an angioscope, an arthroscope, abronchoscope, a choledochoscope, a colonoscope, a colposcope, acystoscope, a cystourethroscope, a duodenoscope, an esophagoscope, anesophagogastroduodenoscope, a falloposcope, a gastroscope, alaryngoscope, a laparoscope, a mini-laparoscope, an ostoscope, anopthalmoscope, a proctoscope, a proctosigmoidoscope, a sigmoidoscope,and a thoracoscope.

In an embodiment, the endoscope may be a hysteroscope for gynecologicalprocedures such as the placement of the contraceptive devices within thefallopian tubes. The accuracy of the placement of the contraceptivedevices within the fallopian tubes may be increased due to the greaterstabilization and the standardization of the longitudinal distancebetween the control device and the hysteroscope. In an embodiment, thestabilization device may also facilitate the delivery of a topicalanesthetic to the cervix and the uterus. In another embodiment, thestabilization device may facilitate the delivery of a contrast mediainto the uterus for ultrasound or radiography.

The stabilization device is formed of a means for coupling thestabilization device to a device for a minimally invasive gynecologicalprocedure and of a means for coupling the stabilization device to adevice that provides a transcervical pathway. The device that provides atranscervical pathway may be a hysteroscope or a catheter, for example.By coupling the stabilization device to both the device for theminimally invasive gynecological procedure and the device that providesa transcervical pathway, the stabilization device may stabilize theposition of the device for the minimally invasive gynecologicalprocedure with respect to the device that provides a transcervicalpathway. The stabilization of these devices with respect to one anothermay facilitate the ease with which the gynecological procedures areperformed as well as increase the accuracy of the gynecologicalprocedures. For example, the stabilization device may be adapted to becoupled to an intrafallopian contraceptive delivery device and to ahysteroscope to maintain a fixed longitudinal distance between theintrafallopian contraceptive device and the hysteroscope.

In one embodiment, the stabilization device may be a sleeve such as theone illustrated in FIG. 2 a. FIG. 2 a illustrates a stabilization device200 formed of a sleeve 210 and a means 220 for coupling thestabilization device to a control device of an intrafallopiancontraceptive device. The sleeve 210 may be formed of a material havinga stiffness sufficient to stabilize the control device with respect tothe hysteroscope. Any hysteroscope that is capable of performing themethods described herein may be used, but in particular embodiments thehysteroscope may be an Olympus Storz Bettocchi, a Wolf, a Wolf 45°“Panoview Plus”, or a Circon ACMI. The material used to form the sleeve210 may be a metal such as stainless steel or nitinol or a material suchas polycarbonate or PEEK (polyetheretherketone). The sleeve 210 may alsobe coated with a soft polymer coating to increase the ability of theball valve within the channel of the hysteroscope to grip thestabilization device 200 and to hold it in place. The sleeve may have alength in the approximate range of 1 cm and 150 cm, and moreparticularly in the range of 3.5 cm and 12.0 cm. The length of thesleeve may vary depending on the use. In an embodiment, the sleeve mayhave a length sufficient to extend through a working channel of ahysteroscope. In another embodiment the sleeve may have a lengthsufficient to extend through the entire length of a hysteroscope. In analternate embodiment, the sleeve may have a length sufficient to reachthe fallopian tubes through a device that provides a transcervicalpathway, such as a catheter.

The sleeve 210 has a lumen 230 extending longitudinally through theentire sleeve. The lumen 230, as illustrated in a cross-section A-A inFIG. 2 b, has a diameter large enough to fit around a catheter that ispart of a delivery device for an intrafallopian contraceptive device.This is to prevent friction between the sleeve 210 and the deliverycatheter during insertion of the delivery catheter and guide wire andduring retraction of the delivery catheter. In an embodiment, thediameter of the lumen 230 may be in the approximate range of 2 Frenchand 9 French, and in another embodiment may have a diameter ofapproximately 5 French. The distal end 240 of the stabilization device200 may be tapered as illustrated in FIG. 2 a to enable the distal endto be fitted into a distention valve of a hysteroscope. The selection ofthe shape of the distal end 240 of the stabilization device 200 may beinfluenced by the shape of the opening into the rubber-like material ofthe distention valve as well as the stiffness of the rubber-likematerial that forms the distention valve. A tapered distal end 240 ofthe stabilization device 200 may be valuable for insertion of thestabilization device 200 into a stiff or tight opening in the distentionvalve. In an alternate embodiment the distal end 240 of thestabilization device 200 may be blunt, such as in embodiments where thedistention valve is part of the stabilization device 200. The means forcoupling the stabilization device to the device that provides atranscervical pathway, such as the control device of an intrafallopiancontraceptive device, may be a mechanical fitting such as thatillustrated in FIG. 2 a at the proximal end of the sleeve 210. Themechanical fitting 220 may include a transverse membrane 250 to preventthe backflow of fluid from the hysteroscope from spilling out onto theoperator and the control device of the intrafallopian contraceptivedelivery device. The transverse membrane 250 is illustrated in FIGS. 2c, 2 d, and 2 e as the B-B cross-section of the mechanical fitting 220.The transverse membrane 250 is formed with an opening through which thecatheter of the intrafallopian contraceptive delivery device can fit.The opening in the transverse membrane forms a seal around the catheterto prevent the backflow of fluid. The opening may be a crosshatch seal252 as illustrated in FIG. 2 c, a slit seal as illustrated in FIG. 2 d,or a hole seal as illustrated in FIG. 2 e. In alternate embodiments thetransverse membrane 250 may be a double membrane having different or thesame combinations of the various types of seals. For example, the doublemembrane may be a combination of a slit seal and a hole seal, a holeseal and a slit seal, a hole seal and a crosshatch seal. The sealcombinations of the double membrane may also vary with respect to whichseal is distal and which seal is proximal.

In an alternate embodiment, the means for coupling the stabilizationdevice 200 to the delivery catheter of a device for a minimally invasivegynecological procedure, such as an intrafallopian contraceptivedelivery device, may be an adjustable O-ring 260 such as thatillustrated in FIGS. 2 f-2 k. FIGS. 2 f and 2 g illustrate theadjustable O-ring 260 in a fully open position. The adjustable O-ring isformed of an O-ring within a first sleeve 280. The outer surface of thefirst sleeve 280 has screw threads that are threaded by the screwthreads inside the second sleeve 285. In the fully open position, thesecond sleeve 285 has not been screwed onto the first sleeve 280. FIGS.2 h and 2 i illustrate the adjustable O-ring after the second sleeve 285has been screwed onto the first sleeve 280 to reduce the diameter of theO-ring 270. Continuing to screw the second sleeve 285 onto the firstsleeve 280 will seal closed the O-ring 270 completely, as illustrated inFIGS. 2 j and 2 k. The adjustable O-ring may be adjusted to form a sealaround a delivery catheter to hold the stabilization device 200 inplace. The seal also serves to prevent backflow of fluid from thehysteroscope out of the stabilization device 200.

As illustrated in FIG. 2 l, the stabilization device may further includea duckbill valve 290. The duckbill valve 290 may be coupled to theadjustable O-ring 260 at the proximal end of the sleeve 210 to form acontinuous lumen with the adjustable O-ring 260. The duckbill valve 290may provide a further seal to prevent the backflow of fluid out ofstabilization device 200, particularly when tightening the adjustableO-ring 260 onto a delivery catheter. The duckbill valve 290 may also beused in combination with a non-adjustable O-ring 295. FIG. 2 millustrates a side-view of the duckbill valve 290 in combination withthe non-adjustable O-ring 295. FIG. 2 n illustrates a top-view of theduckbill valve 290 in combination with the non-adjustable O-ring 295.The non-adjustable O-ring 295 may have an opening having a diametersufficient to form a seal around a delivery catheter. In thisembodiment, the duckbill valve 290 also serves to further prevent thebackflow of fluid out of the stabilization device 200. Thenon-adjustable O-ring 295 may also be used alone, without the duckbillvalve 290, as a means for coupling the stabilization device 200 to adevice for a gynecological procedure. A detailed view of the duckbillvalve 290 is illustrated in FIG. 2 o. FIG. 2 o illustrates a catheter292 through a lumen in the center of the duckbill valve 290. Thecatheter 292 exits the duckbill valve 290 through a slit seal 294 at thedistal end (the duckbill) of the duckbill valve 290. Because theduckbill valve 290 is formed of a flexible rubber-like material the slitseal 294 of the duck bill valve 290 forms a seal around the catheter292.

The means for coupling the stabilization device 200 to the controldevice of the intrafallopian contraceptive delivery device mayalternatively be a friction fitting that is designed to fit into acontrol device of a device for a gynecological procedure, such as thehandle of an intrafallopian contraceptive delivery device. The frictionfitting may be formed as a textured portion 310 on the distal end of thesleeve 210 as illustrated in FIG. 3 a, as a portion of the sleeve 210with a more narrow diameter 320 as illustrated in FIG. 3 b, or a portionof the sleeve 210 having a screw thread 330 as illustrated in FIG. 3 c.

In another embodiment, the stabilization device of FIG. 2 a may have aninsertion marker 410 as illustrated in FIG. 4 a on an outside surface ofthe sleeve 210 at a position selected to indicate that the distal end ofthe sleeve has been inserted to a predetermined distance into thedistention valve and working channel of the hysteroscope. FIG. 4 aillustrates an insertion marker 410 formed of two markings, a distalmarking 401 and a proximal marking 402, on the outside of the sleeve210. In an embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6 a, the stabilization device200 is inserted into the distention valve 610 of a hysteroscope 600 suchthat the distal marking 401 is inserted completely within the distentionvalve 610 and the working channel 620 of the hysteroscope 600 and theproximal marking 402 is outside of the distention valve 610 asillustrated in FIGS. 6 b and 6 c. In an embodiment, the proximal marking402 is positioned so that the distal end of the stabilization device isinserted into the working channel to a depth sufficient to be clamped bythe ball valve clamps 630 of the port valve switch 640. By inserting thestabilization device past the ball valve clamps 630 the possibility thatthe ball valve clamps may pinch or cut the delivery catheter of theintrafallopian contraceptive delivery device may be minimized. FIG. 6 cillustrates a cut-away view of the inside of the distention valve 610and the working channel 620 of the hysteroscope 600. Other embodimentsof the insertion marker 410 are also contemplated by the invention, suchas a single marking on the outside surface of the sleeve 210.

FIG. 4 b illustrates yet another embodiment of the stabilization device200 where a portion 420 of the sleeve 210 is flexible and a portion 430is inflexible. In some instances it may be beneficial for thestabilization device to have some flexibility to increase themaneuverability of the intrafallopian contraceptive delivery device toaid in the positioning of the insert within the fallopian tube. Theflexibility of the sleeve 210 may also be valuable in enabling theoperator of the delivery device to maneuver the handle around thehysteroscope if the angle of the working channel on the hysteroscope isclose to the body of the hysteroscope. The flexible portion 420 of thesleeve 210 may be formed of a coil 430 coated with a polymer tubingmaterial 440 that may also coat the inflexible portion 430. In analternate embodiment, the entire sleeve 210 may be flexible. In oneembodiment the flexible sleeve 210 illustrated in FIG. 4 c may be formedof a coil 430 coated with a polymer tubing material 440.

In another embodiment the sleeve 210 of the stabilization sheath 200 mayhave a curved portion to increase the maneuverability of the device forthe gynecological procedure. The sleeve 210 may have a proximal curvedportion 450 as illustrated in FIG. 5 d. Alternatively the sleeve 210 mayhave a distal curved portion 460 as illustrated in FIG. 4 e. The distalcurved portion 460 may facilitate the positioning of a fallopian tubeinsert from an intrafallopian contraceptive delivery device into afallopian tube. In this embodiment the sleeve 210 may have a lengthsufficient to reach the fallopian tubes. The distal curved portion 460may be formed of an inflexible material or it may be formed of aflexible material that may be bent at a desired angle by usingadjustment wires (not illustrated) that would run the length of thesleeve 210 up to the distal curved portion.

FIGS. 4 f and 4 g illustrate two embodiments of a stabilization device200 having an additional port 470. The port 470 has a lumen continuouswith the lumen of the sleeve 210. An additional delivery catheter may beinserted into a device that provides a transcervical pathway through theport 470, in addition to a delivery catheter that is coupled to a devicefor a gynecological procedure. In an embodiment, the port 470 mayprovide a pathway for an anesthetic delivery catheter or a contrastmedia delivery catheter. The port 470 may be straight or slightly curvedand jutting from the sleeve 210 at any angle that is practical for theinsertion of a catheter. In an embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4 g theport 470 may have a screw thread 475 on the proximal end for theattachment of a screw-on device such as the tip of a syringe.

FIG. 5 a illustrates a stabilization device 200 that has a distentionvalve 500 coupled to the distal end of the sleeve 210. The distentionvalve may be formed of a soft rubber-like material that can form a sealaround the working channel of a hysteroscope or another type of devicethat provides a transcervical pathway to prevent the backflow of fluid.In this exemplary embodiment the distention valve 500 is formed of aportion 510 that fits around a working channel of a hysteroscope. Asillustrated in FIGS. 5 a and 5 b, the portion 520 of the distentionvalve 500 may have a smaller diameter than the portion 510 such that ashelf 530 is formed. The distention valve 500 couples to the sleeve 210of the stabilization device 200 to form a continuous lumen between thedistention valve 500 and the sleeve 210. In alternate embodiments thedistention valve 500 may have a single diameter without the shelf 530.FIG. 5 c illustrates an alternate embodiment of a distention valve 540formed of a stiff material and containing an O-ring 560 to form a sealaround the hysteroscope or another type of device that provides atranscervical pathway. The distention valve 540 may be formed of hardplastic and may have a screw-threaded portion 550 to be screwed on to aworking channel of a hysteroscope or other device. The distention valves500 and 540 illustrated in FIGS. 5 a-5 c may be fixed into place at anypoint on the sleeve 210 of the stabilization device 200 or may bemovable along the sleeve 210 of the stabilization device 200.

FIG. 5 d illustrates a kit 570 containing an intrafallopiancontraceptive delivery device 580 and a stabilization device 200. Theintrafallopian contraceptive delivery device may have a deliverycatheter 581 and a control device 582 similar to the Essure devicedescribed above. The stabilization device 200 may have a sleeve 210 anda means for coupling the stabilization device to the control device 582of the intrafallopian contraceptive delivery device. The stabilizationdevice may alternately be any of the embodiments described above. Thekit 570 may also include a hysteroscope such as the one illustrated inFIG. 6 a. In another embodiment, the kit 570 may include a syringeloaded with a topical anesthetic. The syringe may have a first barreland a second barrel, the first barrel loaded with the topical anestheticand the second barrel loaded with a carrier. The topical anesthetic andthe carrier may be mixed at the point of use with the use of a staticmixer adapted to be coupled to the syringe. The static mixer may also bepart of the kit 570.

In general, the current invention includes a method of coupling astabilization device to a device that provides a transcervical pathwayand coupling the stabilization device to a device for a minimallyinvasive gynecological procedure to stabilize the device for theminimally invasive gynecological procedure with respect to the devicethat provides the transcervical pathway. In one particular embodiment acontrol device of an intrafallopian contraceptive delivery device isstabilized with respect to a hysteroscope to fix the position of thefallopian tube insert within the fallopian tube. In this method, thedelivery catheter of the intrafallopian contraceptive delivery device isinserted into a hysteroscope. The fallopian tube insert is thenpositioned within the fallopian tube for deployment. The position of theholding device with respect to the hysteroscope is then stabilized tofix the deployment position of the fallopian tube insert within thefallopian tube. The fallopian tube insert may then be deployed withinthe fallopian tube. The stabilization devices described above may beused to stabilize the position of the holding device with respect to thehysteroscope.

In an exemplary method of using the stabilization device 200, thestabilization device 200 is first coupled to the hysteroscope 600. Thestabilization device 200 may be a sleeve 210 having a lumen and may beinserted into the working channel 620 of the hysteroscope 200 through adistention valve 610 that is attached to the end of the working channel620 as illustrated in FIG. 6 a. In this embodiment the distal end of thestabilization device 200 is inserted into the distention valve 610. Thestabilization device 200 may be inserted into the distention valve 610and the working channel 620 past a valve clamp 640. By inserting thesleeve 210 of the stabilization device 200 past the valve clamp 640 thevalve clamp 640 may be used to couple the stabilization device 200 tothe hysteroscope 200. Also, the sleeve 210 may be formed of a materialthat is hard enough not to be cut by the valve clamp 640 once it isclamped onto the sleeve 210. The valve clamp 640 may be a ball valve 630as illustrated in FIG. 6 c. Inserting the stabilization device 200 pastthe valve clamp 640 may also prevent the valve clamp 640 from snagging,pinching or cutting the delivery catheter and/or the guidewire of theintrafallopian contraceptive delivery device.

Markers may be placed on the outside of the sleeve 210 to indicate thedepth to which the sleeve 210 should be inserted into the workingchannel 620. FIGS. 6 a and 6 b illustrate an embodiment where twomarkers 410, a distal marker 401 and a proximal marker 402, are on theoutside of the sleeve 210. In this embodiment a first portion of thestabilization device 200 is inserted into the working channel 620 of thehysteroscope 600 until the distal marker 401 is entirely within thehysteroscope 600 and the proximal marker 402 is exposed immediatelyoutside of the hysteroscope 600. In an alternate embodiment, there maybe a single marker on the outside of the sleeve 210. In this embodiment,a first portion of the distal end of the sleeve 210 is inserted into theworking channel 620 through the distention valve 610 until the marker isentirely within the hysteroscope 600, which in a particular embodimentmay mean that the marker is entirely within the distention valve 610,and the proximal second portion of the stabilization device 200 remainsoutside of the hysteroscope 600.

In another embodiment, the stabilization device 200 may be coupled to adistention valve 500, such as those illustrated in FIGS. 5 a-5 c and inFIG. 6 d. In this embodiment, the stabilization device may be coupled tothe hysteroscope 600 by coupling the distention valve 500 to theproximal end of the working channel 620 of the hysteroscope 600. Asillustrated in FIG. 6 d, the distention valve 500 coupled thestabilization device 200 may be coupled to the hysteroscope 600 afterinserting the distal end of the sleeve 210 of the stabilization device200 into the working channel 620 of the hysteroscope. The distentionvalve 500 may be a rubber-like material that may fit onto the proximalend of the working channel 620 to form a seal. The distention valve 500may also be screwed onto the proximal end of a working channel 620having a screw thread (not illustrated.) The distention valve 500 inthis embodiment may be fixed in place on the sleeve 210, in which casethe depth at which the sleeve 210 is inserted into the hysteroscope 600is determined by where the distention valve 500 is positioned on thesleeve 210. In another embodiment, the distention valve 500 is movablealong the sleeve 210 and the depth at which the sleeve 210 is insertedinto the hysteroscope 600 may be adjusted. In one particular embodiment,the sleeve 210 of the stabilization device 200 may have a length suchthat the sleeve 210 extends beyond the tip of the channel 670 of thehysteroscope 600. The insertion of the distal end of the sleeve 210 intothe hysteroscope 600 in this embodiment may be facilitated by thecoupling of the distention valve 500 to the sleeve 210. In thisembodiment, the length of the sleeve 210 may be sufficient to reach thefallopian tubes of a patient. In this embodiment the distal end of thesleeve 210 may be slightly curved or bendable to guide a deliverycatheter of an intrafallopian contraceptive delivery device towards theopening of a fallopian tube. The stabilization device 200 may be furthercoupled to the hysteroscope 600 by clamping the valve clamp 630 onto thesleeve 210, as illustrated in FIGS. 6 b and 6 c.

As illustrated in FIG. 6 f, an intrafallopian contraceptive deliverydevice is inserted into the lumen of the stabilization device and thehysteroscope 600. The intrafallopian contraceptive delivery device maybe formed of a delivery catheter 660 coupled to a holding device 665. Inthis embodiment, the delivery catheter 660 is inserted into the sleeve210 of the stabilization device 200 and into the hysteroscope 600through the working channel 610 and the channel 670. The deliverycatheter 660 contains a fallopian tube insert for deployment into afallopian tube. After passing through the channel 670 of thehysteroscope 600, the delivery catheter 660 passes through the uterusand into one of the fallopian tubes where the delivery catheter 660 ispositioned for deployment of the fallopian tube insert. Once thedelivery catheter 660 is positioned for deployment of the fallopian tubeinsert, the operator of the intrafallopian contraceptive delivery devicemay verify the position of the fallopian tube insert before coupling thestabilization device 200 to the control device 665.

The stabilization device 200 may then be coupled to the holding device665. FIG. 6 g illustrates an embodiment where the stabilization device200 is coupled to the holding device 665 mechanically by a mechanicalfitting 210 that snaps onto the holding device 665. In an alternateembodiment the stabilization device 200 may be coupled to the holdingdevice 665 by a friction fitting, such as those illustrated in FIGS. 3a-3 c.

In another embodiment, the stabilization device 200 may be coupled tothe intrafallopian contraceptive device by coupling the stabilizationdevice 200 to the delivery catheter 660. An example of this embodimentis illustrated in FIG. 6 h. FIG. 6 h illustrates a stabilization device200 having an adjustable O-ring 260 at the proximal end. The innerdiameter of the O-ring 270 may be tightened around the delivery catheter660 by screwing the second sleeve 285 of the adjustable O-ring 260 ontothe first sleeve 280 of the adjustable O-ring. The stabilization device200 may also be coupled to the delivery catheter 660 by a simple O-ringhaving an inner diameter sufficient to form a seal around the deliverycatheter 660. The adjustable O-ring 260 or a single O-ring may be formedin combination with a duckbill valve.

FIG. 6 i illustrates another embodiment of a stabilization device 200that may be coupled to the control device 665 of the intrafallopiancontraceptive delivery device by a mechanical fitting. In thisembodiment the mechanical fitting 685 is designed to mechanically fitonto an adaptor 680 that is coupled to the intrafallopian contraceptivedelivery device. The adaptor 680 may be coupled to the control device665 or to the delivery catheter 660. After positioning theintrafallopian contraceptive delivery device to deploy a fallopian tubeinsert the stabilization device 200 may be coupled to the intrafallopiancontraceptive delivery device by mechanically fitting the mechanicalfitting 685 to the adaptor 680.

In yet another embodiment, the stabilization device 200 may bepre-coupled to the intrafallopian contraceptive delivery device. In thisembodiment it would not be necessary to couple the stabilization device200 to the intrafallopian contraceptive delivery device.

The position of the fallopian tube insert for deployment from thedelivery catheter 660 may be verified and adjusted again before couplingor re-coupling the stabilization device 200 to the hysteroscope 600. Inone embodiment, the verification and potential adjustment of theposition of the fallopian tube insert for deployment may be performedprior to clamping the valve clamp 630 onto the sleeve 210 of thestabilization device 200. In one embodiment, the positioning of thefallopian tube insert for deployment may be adjusted after coupling thestabilization device to the intrafallopian contraceptive delivery deviceby using a feed-forward mechanism of the intrafallopian contraceptivedelivery device. FIGS. 6 k-6 m illustrate this embodiment with acut-away side view of the control device 665 of an intrafallopiancontraceptive delivery device. In FIG. 6 k the distal tip of theintrafallopian contraceptive delivery device is at a first positionbeyond the ostium 675 within a fallopian tube and the stabilizationsheath 200 is coupled to the adapter 680 by the mechanical fitting 685.In FIG. 6 l, a user of the control device 665 may then roll back thethumbwheel 667 of the control device 665 to mechanically fit the adapter680 to the control device mechanical fitting 687 and to feed-forward thecore wire 671. In an embodiment, the core wire 671 is moved forward intothe fallopian tube by approximately 1.6 cm to compensate for user error.In FIG. 6 m, rolling back the thumbwheel 667 will break away a portion672 of the sheath 673 that contains the delivery catheter 660. After theportion 672 of the sheath 673 breaks away inside of the control device665, the delivery catheter 660 is retracted to uncover the core wire 671to expose the fallopian tube insert (not shown) that is wound down overthe core wire 671.

The position of the delivery catheter 660 for the deployment of thefallopian tube insert may be verified by fluoroscopy, ultrasound(including hysterosalpingo-contrast-ultrasonography (HyCoSy) andstimulated acoustic emission (SAE-HyCoSy)), radiography, or visualorientation using a camera placed through the hysteroscope 600. In oneembodiment the distal end of the delivery catheter 660 or the distal endof a stabilization device 200 having a length sufficient to reach thefallopian tubes may be marked with a radiopaque material that may beviewed by radiography. In this embodiment the positioning andverification of the position of the delivery catheter 660 for thedeployment of the fallopian tube insert may be done by viewing theradiopaque mark on either the delivery catheter 20 or on the distal endof the stabilization device 200.

Alternatively, the uterus may be distended using a contrast media thatis visible by either ultrasound or radiography for the positioning andverification of the position of the delivery catheter 660 for thedeployment of the fallopian tube insert. In one embodiment, the contrastmedia may be a fluid or gel containing microbubbles that are a shellfilled with a contrast agent such as a gas or other ultrasound contrastenhancing agent viewable by ultrasound such as perfluorocarbon-exposedsonicated dextrose albumin microbubbles. In an embodiment, themicrobubbles may contain a topical anesthetic such as lidocaine that maybe delivered to the uterine cavity by applying ultrasound at an energysufficient to cause the microbubbles to burst and release theanesthetic. In one exemplary method, the positioning of thestabilization sheath 200 or the delivery catheter 600 may beaccomplished using ultrasound to view the contrast media within themicrobubbles. The microbubbles may then be burst by changing theultrasound energy to release the anesthetic into the uterine cavity. Therelease of the anesthetic from the microbubbles may be monitored andregulated by measuring the harmonic response to the ultrasound energy.In another embodiment the anesthetic may be released from some of themicrobubbles prior to the performance of the minimally invasivegynecological procedure to an extent that would anesthetize the tissuessurrounding the uterine cavity but to still have microbubbles remainingfor ultrasound positioning of the device for the minimally invasivegynecological procedure.

FIGS. 7 a-7 d illustrate an alternate embodiment where the device thatprovides the transcervical pathway is an access catheter. In thisembodiment the access catheter has a balloon to form a seal between theaccess catheter and the cervix and to fix the position of the accesscatheter during a minimally invasive gynecological procedure. FIG. 7 aillustrates a cut-away side view of the access catheter 700 having atubular catheter body 710 that includes a distal end 712 and a proximalend 714 and a lumen 715. The lumen 715 provides a transcervical pathwayto access the uterine cavity with a surgical instrument. An elongatedinflatable balloon 720 (illustrated in the deflated state) is sealinglyaffixed to and encloses a distal portion of the catheter body 710. Theballoon 720 contains a fixed residual volume of fluid which is displacedby operation of the fluid displacement sleeve 730. FIG. 7 b illustratesthe outer surface of the access catheter 700. FIG. 7 c illustrates theballoon 720 of the access catheter 700 once it is placed within the osof the cervix.

The displacement sleeve 730 may then be slid along the outside of thecatheter 710 towards the distal end 712 of the tubular catheter body 710to displace the fixed residual volume of fluid into the portion of theballoon 720 that is within the os of the cervix. FIG. 7 d illustratesthe expanded balloon 720 in the cervix region after the displacementsleeve 730 has been slid towards the distal end 712 of the tubularcatheter body 710. The expanded balloon 720 serves to hold the accesscatheter 700 in place during a minimally invasive gynecologicalprocedure such as the use of an intrafallopian contraceptive deliverydevice to place fallopian tube inserts within the fallopian tubes.

Similar to the use of the stabilization sheath 200 with the hysteroscope600, the stabilization sheath 200 may be coupled to the end of theaccess catheter 700 to provide a pathway for a device for a nonsurgicalgynecological procedure and to provide a means for coupling thestabilization device to the device for the nonsurgical gynecologicalprocedure. The stabilization device 200 may be coupled to the accesscatheter 700 by a distention valve 500 that has formed a seal byfriction fitting with the tubular catheter body 710. The stabilizationdevice 200 may be coupled to the tubular catheter body 710 by othermeans such as an O-ring, and adjustable O-ring, or a screw thread. Thestabilization device 200 also has a means for coupling the stabilizationdevice 200 to the device for a minimally invasive gynecologicalprocedure such as a mechanical fitting 220 or any of the otherembodiments described above in relation to the hysteroscope embodiment.The stabilization device 200 may also have a port 470. Any of themethods described above in relation to the hysteroscope embodiment maybe applied to the use of the access catheter 700 in place of thehysteroscope. The stabilization device 200 may be valuable for use withthe access catheter because it provides a stable fixed longitudinaldistance between the device for the minimally invasive gynecologicalprocedure and the access catheter during the gynecological procedure.This may significantly improve the accuracy of the gynecologicalprocedure. For example, the accuracy of placement of fallopian tubeinserts from an intrafallopian contraceptive delivery device may beimproved.

In another embodiment, prior to a minimally invasive gynecologicalprocedure, a topical anesthetic may be applied to the uterus. In amethod of a minimally invasive procedure of placing fallopian tubeinserts into the fallopian tubes the topical anesthetic may be appliedto a region around the opening of the fallopian tubes (the ostium). Thetopical anesthetic may be delivered to the uterus using a port on astabilization device. FIG. 8 a illustrates a kit 800 containing astabilization device 200 having a port 470, a syringe 810, and ananesthetic delivery catheter 870. The stabilization device 200 having aport 470 may be in the form of any of the embodiments discussed above.In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8 a the stabilization device 200is formed of a sleeve 210 to which a distention valve such as 540 may becoupled and to which an adjustable O-ring 260 may be coupled. The port475 may also include a screw thread at the proximal end to screw thesyringe 810 to the port 470. The syringe 810 may be a single-barreledsyringe or a dual-barreled syringe as illustrated in FIG. 8 a. Asingle-barreled syringe may be pre-loaded with an anesthetic mixture ormay be filled by a physician performing a gynecological procedure.

The anesthetic mixture may by an anesthetic such as lidocainehydrochloride and may have a concentration in the range of 0.5% and 15%,and more particularly in the range of 5% and 10%. In an alternateembodiment, the topical anesthetic may be a mixture of an amideanesthetic such as lidocaine, lignocaine, marcaine, or carbocaine, abuffering agent to bring the pH of the mixture to at least 5.5,optionally a viscosity agent and/or a solubilising agent. In anembodiment, the viscosity agent is present in an amount sufficient togive the topical anesthetic a viscosity greater than water and tomaintain viscosity at body temperature. In one particular embodiment,the viscosity agent may be hydroxypropyl methylcellulose. Thesolubilizing agent serves to inhibit crystallization and therefore alsothe precipitation of the anesthetic compounds within the topicalanesthetic mixture. An example of a solubilizing agent that may be usedin the formulation is N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone. The solubilizing agentenables the solution to hold a higher concentration of the anestheticagent and thereby increases the bio-availability, potency, and effect ofthe anesthetic agent. Additionally, the topical anesthetic may containmaterials that enhance the absorption of the anesthetic into a patient'stissues.

The topical anesthetic may be mixed at a point of use to further preventthe precipitation of the anesthetic agent before application and toprolong the shelf-life of the anesthetic agent. The potency of thetopical anesthetic may decrease once the anesthetic agent is mixed witha carrier material, therefore point of use mixing ensures that thetopical anesthetic applied to the uterus and the fallopian tubes ispotent.

A dual-barreled syringe 810 may be used to mix the topical anesthetic atthe point of use. The dual-barreled syringe has a first barrel 820 tocontain a topical anesthetic such as lidocaine hydrochloride. Thetopical anesthetic within the first barrel 820 may have a concentrationin the range of 2% and 15% anesthetic, and more particularly may have aconcentration of approximately 12%. The topical anesthetic may be aliquid, a paste, or a gel. The second barrel 830 may contain a carriermaterial that will be mixed with the topical anesthetic from the firstbarrel 820. In an embodiment, the carrier material may be a buffer agentor a buffer agent in combination with a solubilizing agent and aviscosity agent. The topical anesthetic may further contain materialsthat prolong the shelf-life of the anesthetic if the syringe ispre-loaded.

The syringe 810 also has a plunger 850 and a tip 860 that may have ascrew thread for attachment to the anesthetic delivery catheter 890 orthe port 470. The syringe 810 may also include a lock 840 to prevent theleakage of the contents of the syringe if pre-loaded.

The kit 800 may also include an anesthetic delivery catheter 870. Theanesthetic delivery catheter 870 may have a length sufficient to applythe topical anesthetic mixture to any portion of a uterus or a cervix.In an embodiment, the length of the anesthetic delivery catheter is alength sufficient to apply the topical anesthetic mixture to the regionin the uterus around the fallopian tubes. The anesthetic deliverycatheter 870 may also have static mixing portions 880 to mix thecontents of a dual barrel syringe at the point of use as the topicalanesthetic and the carrier are mixed. The static mixer portions 880 mayextend the entire length of the anesthetic delivery catheter 870 or mayextend for only the length necessary to sufficiently mix the topicalanesthetic with the carrier. The anesthetic delivery catheter 870 mayalso be an ordinary catheter without static mixing capabilities. Theanesthetic delivery catheter 890 may have a screw thread at the proximalend for coupling with the syringe 810 or with the proximal end of theport 470 after insertion of the anesthetic delivery catheter into theport 470. A biocompatible polymer may be used to form the anestheticdelivery catheter 870 and may be flexible. The anesthetic deliverycatheter 870 may be reusable or disposable.

The kit 800 may also include a static mixing tip (not illustrated). Theproximal end of the static mixing tip may be coupled to the tip 860 ofthe syringe 810. The length of the static mixing tip depends on theamount of mixing necessary to sufficiently mix a topical anesthetic witha carrier. The distal end of the static mixing tip may be coupled to andanesthetic delivery catheter 870 and/or to the port 470.

FIG. 8 b illustrates the use of the components of the kit 800 with ahysteroscope 600. The components of the kit 800 and the differentembodiments of the components of the kit 800 may also be used with anaccess catheter 700 such as the one illustrated in FIGS. 7 a-7 d. Astabilization device 200 having a port 470 into which the anestheticdelivery catheter has been inserted and to which a syringe 810 has beencoupled is illustrated. The topical anesthetic may be applied to theuterus or cervix before inserting the delivery catheter 660 for theintrafallopian contraceptive device into the stabilization device 200and the hysterscope 600.

In an embodiment, the topical anesthetic may be a mixed with a carrierat the point of use using a static mixer within the anesthetic deliverycatheter 870 once the topical anesthetic in the first barrel 820 and thecarrier in the second barrel 830 of the dual barrel syringe 810 areinjected into the anesthetic delivery catheter 870 by unlocking the lock840 and depressing the plunger 850. The syringe 810 may have beenpre-loaded or may be loaded at the point of use. The anesthetic deliverycatheter may be positioned to deliver the topical anesthetic to aparticular region of the uterus or cervix by ultrasound or radiography,as well as by visual orientation using a camera in a hysteroscope. Toposition the anesthetic delivery catheter by radiography, the tip of theanesthetic delivery catheter may have a radiographic marker at thedistal end. Alternatively, the uterus may be distended with a contrastmedia for ultrasound or radiography prior to the application of thetopical anesthetic. The minimally-invasive gynecological procedure maybe performed between 2 minutes to 24 hours after the application of thetopical anesthetic. The topical anesthetic may need a few minutes totake effect. In one particular embodiment, the minimally-invasivegynecological procedure may be performed within the approximate range of5 minutes and 20 minutes after the application of the topicalanesthetic.

Once the delivery catheter of the intrafallopian contraceptive deliverydevice is positioned to deploy the fallopian tube insert the fallopiantube insert is deployed into the fallopian tube. In an embodiment, thefallopian tube insert may have the general structure of a metal frameformed from a metal such as stainless steel or superelastic or shapememory material. The frame may be expanded radially from a firstdiameter to a second diameter that is larger than the first diameter.The insert may expand in a way that causes it to resiliently apply ananchoring force against the wall of the fallopian tube. The surface ofthe insert may be designed to facilitate epithelial growth; one way ofdoing this is to provide the insert with and open or lattice-likeframework to promote and support epithelial growth into as well asaround the insert to ensure secure attachment to an embodiment withinthe wall of the body lumen. The hollow inner portion within the framemay include a tissue ingrowth agent such as a polyester fiber or othermaterials known to facilitate fibrotic or epithelial growth. The surfaceof the frame may also be modified or treated or include such a tissueingrowth material.

In other embodiments, the device may be coated or seeded to spurepithelialization. For example, the device can be coated with a polymerhaving impregnated therein a drug, enzyme or protein for inducing orpromoting epithelial tissue growth. Once a fallopian tube insert hasbeen placed into one fallopian tube the methods described above may berepeated to place a fallopian tube insert into the second fallopiantube. This may be done with the same delivery catheter 660 if thedelivery catheter 660 contains two fallopian tube inserts in series orin parallel within a delivery catheter that has two lumens.Alternatively the second fallopian tube insert may be inserted with asecond intrafallopian contraceptive delivery device.

In an alternate embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 9, the stabilizationdevice 910 may be permanently coupled to a hysteroscope 900. Thestabilization device 910 may be coupled to the working channel 920 as anintegrated part.

In another embodiment, the stabilization device may be an arm. FIG. 10illustrates one example of this embodiment where the stabilizationdevice is an arm 1010 that is coupled to the hysteroscope 1000 and thehandle of the control device 1065 to create a fixed distance between thehysteroscope 1000 and the control device 1065. In this particularembodiment, the stabilization device shaped like an arm is coupled tothe working channel 1020 and to the front portion of the handle of thecontrol device 1065. The stabilization device 1010 shaped like an armmay be coupled to the hysteroscope 1000 and to the control device 1065at other various points sufficient to fix the position of thehysteroscope 1000 with respect to the control device 1065.

While the exemplary embodiment of the present invention has beendescribed in some detail for clarity of understanding and by way ofexample, a variety of adaptations, changes and modifications will beobvious to those who are skilled in the art. Hence the scope of thepresent invention is limited solely by the following claims.

1. A stabilization device, comprising: a sleeve having a lumen extendingbetween a proximal end and a distal end of the sleeve, the sleeveadapted to be inserted into a working channel of a hysteroscope; and aseal at the proximal end of the sleeve through which a catheter can beadvanced into the lumen and into the working channel of thehysteroscope.
 2. The stabilization device of claim 1, wherein the sealcomprises an O-ring.
 3. The stabilization device of claim 1, wherein theseal comprises a duckbill valve.
 4. The stabilization device of claim 1,wherein the seal comprises a membrane.
 5. The stabilization device ofclaim 1, wherein the seal comprises a double membrane.
 6. Thestabilization device of claim 1, wherein the seal comprises a hole seal.7. The stabilization device of claim 1, further comprising a distentionvalve coupled to the sleeve, the distention valve adapted to fit ontothe working channel of the hysteroscope and prevent the backflow offluid out of the working channel.
 8. The stabilization device of claim7, wherein the distention valve is adjacent the seal at the proximal endof the sleeve.
 9. The stabilization device of claim 7, wherein thesleeve is sized and dimensioned to extend past a valve clamp of theworking channel when the distention valve is fitted onto the workingchannel.
 10. The stabilization device of claim 7, wherein the seal isadapted to prevent backflow of fluid out of the stabilization device.11. The stabilization device of claim 11, wherein the seal is adapted toprevent backflow of fluid out of the stabilization device when thecatheter is advanced into the lumen and into the working channel of thehysteroscope.
 12. The stabilization device of claim 1, wherein theproximal end of the sleeve is tapered.
 13. A kit, comprising: a catheterfor an intrafallopian contraceptive procedure; and a stabilizationdevice comprising: a sleeve having a lumen extending longitudinallybetween a proximal end and a distal end of the sleeve, the sleeveadapted to be inserted into a working channel of a hysteroscope; and aseal at the proximal end of the sleeve through which a catheter can beadvanced into the lumen and into the working channel of thehysteroscope.
 14. The kit of claim 13, wherein the seal comprises anO-ring.
 15. The kit of claim 13, wherein the seal comprises a duckbillvalve.
 16. The kit of claim 13, wherein the seal comprises a membrane.17. The kit of claim 13, wherein the seal comprises a double membrane.18. The kit of claim 13, wherein the seal comprises a hole seal.
 19. Thestabilization device of claim 13, wherein the seal is adapted to preventbackflow of fluid out of the stabilization device.
 20. The stabilizationdevice of claim 19, wherein the seal is adapted to prevent backflow offluid out of the stabilization device when the catheter is advanced intothe lumen and into the working channel of the hysteroscope.
 21. The kitof claim 19, wherein the stabilization device further comprises adistention valve coupled to the sleeve, the distention valve adapted tofit onto the working channel of the hysteroscope and prevent thebackflow of fluid out of the working channel.
 22. The kit of claim 21,wherein the distention valve is adjacent the seal at the proximal end ofthe sleeve.
 23. The kit of claim 21, wherein the sleeve is sized anddimensioned to extend past a valve clamp of the working channel when thedistention valve is fitted onto the working channel.
 24. The kit ofclaim 13, wherein the proximal end of the sleeve is tapered.